해변
haebyeon[ˈhɛ(ː)bjʌ̹n]
The English word 'beach' can be translated into Korean using several terms, most commonly 해변 (haebyeon). Wiktionary also lists 바닷가 (badatga) and 바다가 (badaga).
Meaning: sandy shore (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 해변 | haebyeon | [ˈhɛ(ː)bjʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈhe̞(ː)bjʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 바닷가 | badatga | [pa̠da̠t̚k͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pa̠da̠k͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 바다가 | badaga | North Korea |
These terms are used to refer to a sandy shore or the seaside area.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 바닷가 is a compound consisting of 바다, meaning 'sea' and 가, meaning 'edge' or 'side', literally translating to 'the edge of the sea'.
Which one should you use?
해변 and 바닷가 both refer to the beach, but 해변 is often used in literature, formal contexts or when describing a specific scenic beach. In contrast, 바닷가 is a more common, everyday term used to refer to the seaside area.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form 바다가 is used in North Korea.
How do you pronounce it?
haebyeon
Did you know?
- In Korean pop culture, the 'beach' is often associated with the specific activity of 갯벌 exploration, which refers to the unique tidal mudflats found on many Korean shores.
- While 해변 is a common term, the word 해수욕장 is actually the word Koreans use most often when talking about going to the beach to swim or play in the water.
- Due to the peninsula's geography, Koreans often distinguish between the 'East Sea' and 'West Sea' beaches, as the former are typically sandy and the latter are often muddy.
Examples in context
- 이 해변에 와본 적 있어?Have you ever been to this beach before?This example shows how to ask if someone has visited a specific 해변 before.Tatoeba #8462518 by Eunhee, translation #8462511 by CK
- 톰은 해변에 있는 오두박에서 혼자 살아.Tom is living alone in a hut on the beach.This sentence describes someone living in a hut located on the 해변.Tatoeba #8367094 by Eunhee, translation #8351501 by CK
- 해변이 텅 비었다.The beach is empty.This sentence is used to describe an empty 해변.Tatoeba #11106369 by intertime, translation #3442105 by Hybrid
- 해변에 가요Let's go to the beach
- 해변에서 수영하다To swim at the beach
- 부산의 해수욕장The beach of Busan
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are planning a trip to the coast.
- 민지 Min-ji우리 이번 주말에 해변에 갈까?uri ibeon jumare haebyeone galkka?Shall we go to the beach this weekend?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아! 어느 해변으로 가고 싶어?joa! eoneu haebyeoneuro gago sipeo?Great! Which beach do you want to go to?
- 민지 Min-ji사람이 적고 조용한 해변이 좋겠어.sarami jeokgo joyonghan haebyeoni jokgesseo.I'd like a quiet beach with fewer people.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo내가 그런 곳을 한번 찾아볼게.naega geureon goseul hanbeon chajabolge.I will try to find a place like that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beach” translations and entries 해변, 바닷가, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
